How to get your stimulus checks safely and avoid scammers — Attorney General offers tips

As people continue to receive their stimulus checks from the IRS, California’s attorney general is cautioning people to look out for scammers who might be trying to cash in.

Attorney General Xavier Becerra issued a consumer alert and offered tips in a news release Wednesday to help people get their stimulus checks safely and avoid scams aimed at taking advantage of the federal funds.

“As workers and families across the nation reckon with the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the last thing they should worry about is scammers targeting their stimulus checks,” said Becerra in a statement. “I urge all Californians to review the tips and information provided in this consumer alert to protect themselves against bad actors who aim to enrich themselves by stealing these crucial stimulus payments.”

Becerra said if you are unsure of how much you are receiving or how to get it, check with the IRS. Most people will receive $1,200 but may get more if they have children. To find out more information, you can visit the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center.

Also, do not give your personal information to anyone but the IRS, Becerra said. If you filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019, the IRS likely already has your information on file for direct deposit into your checking account.

If the IRS does not have your information, make sure you submit your information on the IRS website as soon as possible, Becerra said.

“If you receive an error message saying that the information has already been submitted, you should report this potential fraud by contacting the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at https://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report.shtml,” according to the release.

You do not have to pay money to receive your stimulus payment. And don’t be fooled by scammers saying they can speed up your payment, Becerra said.

“The IRS stated that the first economic impact payments were made by direct deposit on Saturday, April 11, but these payments could take weeks or months to arrive,” according to the release. “Payments by check will likely take longer. It may take 20 weeks or more for everyone to receive their paper checks.”

Lastly, don’t be fooled by “official-looking fake check,” the release said.

This story was originally published May 6, 2020 at 4:08 PM with the headline "How to get your stimulus checks safely and avoid scammers — Attorney General offers tips."